Daryl Watson was born and raised on a farm overlooking Apple River Canyon. Upon entering college, he attended the University of Wisconsin—Platteville where he double-majored in history and geography. He then earned his master’s and Ph.D. in geography at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. For the next six years he served as the administrator for the historic community of Galena, Illinois. He then took over as the executive director of the Galena History Museum, a position he held for 18 years. He is now teaching history and geography courses for Highland Community College. His interests are broad, but he remains fascinated by the unique physical and cultural history of Jo Daviess County and the surrounding area.

Geology of Apple River Canyon

The area in and around Apple River Canyon State Park and the Boy Scouts of America’s Canyon Camp offers some of the most unique geology in Illinois. Daryl Watson, whose family has been a part of this area for over a century, will present a slide presentation exploring the rich history of this land. It will follow the geologic trail from 430 million year old Ordovician rocks to periodic glaciations nearby. He will also explore some of the cultural history of the last 200 years. The rich and varied flora and fauna will be touched upon as will names like Millville, Miner’s Gully and Coon Creek. The canyon and its environs represent a rich heritage that deserves study, exploration and preservation.